http://people.wku.edu/barry.kaufkins/
Glasgow 204 -
(270) 659-6948
“Question everything.”
-Georg
Christoph Lichtenberg
The primary purpose of this
course is to explore critically, both objectively and subjectively, how we
respond to cultural difference in our lives in the United States. This course requires each individual to come
to class prepared to discuss readings and assignments with an open mind. Many issues explored are sensitive in nature
and may be considered offensive to some.
In this light, it is important to remember that the purpose of such
discussions is not necessarily to establish or promote one “right” point of
view. Rather, this class is designed as
an open forum to air out these subjects in an environment where each student is
free to express her or his own opinions and reach conclusions based on their
own life experience and the information presented in this class. Please respect your classmates and
yourself. And enjoy yourself. You will find that the more you learn about
others, the more enlightened you will become about yourself and life in
general.
“It is easier to perceive
error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily
seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for
it.”
-Johann vonGoethe
Required Texts:
Recommended:
Attendance Policy:
You are allowed to miss up to
2 classes without direct penalty.
Missing beyond two classes for any reason will result in the deduction
of half a letter grade from your final grade. Beyond that there are no excused absences and
points will be deducted for any absences beyond two. This class is designed around the exchange of
ideas, which you must be present for.
Also note that class participation makes up a substantial portion of
your grade (see below) and is a crucial part of the learning experience in this
course. Please come to class not only
for your own sake (and grade), but also for your fellow classmates as your
input is unique and enhances the learning environment for all present. (*Also note that arriving late or leaving
early will result in half an absence.)
Notice:
Students
with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments, and/or
auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student
Disability Services (OFSDS), Downing University Center, room A200. The OFSDS
telephone number is (270) 745-5004 V/(270) 745-3030/TDD. Please do not request
accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of
accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.
Grading:
*Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day
they are listed on the course schedule. Please be advised that unexcused late work
will not be graded. Talk to me in
advance if you are having trouble completing an assignment or meeting a
specific deadline so special arrangements may be discussed. (This policy also applies to exams, quizzes,
etc.)
Quizzes…………..………….120*
Midterm exam……………...100
Final exam……………….…100
Diversity
paper……………....50
Worldview paper…………..100
Class participation…………..30**
______
TOTAL……………………..500
pts.***
90%+=A, 80%+=B, 70%+=C, 60%+=D, lower than 60%=F
*Daily reading quizzes will
cover the readings listed for that day.
See course schedule.
**This grade does not consist
of mere attendance, but active participation in the class, including
group/class discussions, in-class assignments, etc.
***Students are responsible for keeping up with their own grades. Do not ask me what your average is or what your grades are. I only calculate grades at the end of the semester. Please use the grading scale above to keep up with your grade. (Divide total points earned by total points possible to find your average at any given point in the semester.)
·
Student work may
be checked using plagiarism detection software.
There is a zero tolerance policy for acts of academic dishonesty
(plagiarism, cheating, etc.). Please
refer to the WKU Student Handbook for details on the university’s policy regarding academic
offenses. Plagiarism FAQ here.
·
Use of cell
phones/laptops (or any other electronic device) is not permitted. Failure to
comply with this policy will result in the deduction of participation points
and/or dismissal from class. (Exceptions
made under certain conditions. Speak
with me in advance.)
·
Extra credit
assignments may be completed during the course of the semester. See website for details on extra credit assignments.
“Many of
the truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view.”
-Obi Wan Kenobi
General Education
Goals For Folk Studies 280
This class satisfies category
E requirements, World Cultures and American Cultural Diversity, on the
undergraduate degree program. Cultural
Diversity in the
Students will learn to
recognize the contributions to American culture and society of a variety of
social or cultural groups and the ways in which these groups are interrelated
and interdependent. These may include,
but are not limited to, ethnic or immigrant groups from many parts of the
world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East,
Students will also learn to
identify ways in which one culture or group may be favored over another,
including ethnocentrism, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Students will learn to recognize that all
cultures tend to take much of their own cultures for granted, and that there is
a need to examine one’s own culture critically before one can understand other
cultures.
Undergraduate students at Western have a rare
opportunity to take a broad variety of folklore courses and also to minor in
Folklore. A Folklore Minor is fun, challenging, and involves many
fascinating topics related to contemporary American life. It also helps you to
develop valuable and important critical and problem solving skills for use in
the complex personal, social, occupational, and political environments in which
we work and live. These skills will make you a better candidate for
employment, for admission into graduate programs in many fields, and for
advancement on just about any career path. Courses include Introduction to
Folklore, Urban Folklore, Cultural Diversity, Folklore and Mass Media, Foodways, Roots of Southern Culture, Fieldwork Methods, Folk
Art and Technology, Folklore and the Supernatural, African-American Folklife, and many more offerings. The Department of Folk
Studies and Anthropology also offers a Master’s Degree in folklore. For more
information, see Mr. Kaufkins or the Folk Studies home page.
The Folk Studies Club is a registered
undergraduate student organization that works with a faculty advisor to plan
events and activities related to folklore. The particular focus of the Club’s
activities is determined year by year according to the interests of the
students. Check with Mr. Kaufkins for more
information.
Gender & Women’s Studies Credit
This section of FLK 280 has been approved for credit
toward the Gender & Women’s Studies minor. WKU has a strong and growing Gender
& Women’s Studies program that offers courses cross-listed in many other departments. Undergraduates can minor in GWS, and graduate
students can earn a graduate certificate. Interested in learning more? Contact Mr. Kaufkins,
drop by the Gender & Women’s Studies office at 1532 State Street, or visit www.wku.edu/womensstudies.
“Education is the ability
to listen to almost anything without losing your temper.”
-Robert
Frost